Smiles at HRT as they complete 56-lap Malaysian GP

With all eyes at the front of the field during today’s Malaysian Grand Prix, it’s worth noting that HRT completed the full race distance relatively trouble free after failing to qualify at the season-opener in Melbourne. Apart from Karthikeyan being involved in several collisions with Button and Vettel, the team are proud of their achievements.

The race started off on a rocky note for the Spanish outfit, as Pedro de la Rosa stalled on the grid and had to subsequently start the race from the pit-lane. However the team opted for a correct tyre strategy as the rain fell, with both cars’ on the full wets when the race was suspended. At that moment de la Rosa was 17th and Narain Karthikeyan was a stunning 10th.

As the race continued after nearly an hours break, Pedro de la Rosa was issued with a drive-through penalty, whereas Karthikeyan began to loose places, and eventually made contact with Jenson Button who lost grip on the wet track and damaged his nose. Narain Karthikeyan wasn’t out of the wars yet, as later on in the race Sebastian Vettel also made contact with the Indian driver, which caused Vettel’s left-rear tyre to get a puncture as well as suffer from rear brake damage.

However, the atmosphere within the team is now very positive heading into the Chinese Grand Prix in three weeks time, as the Spanish team continue to improve throughout every session they partake in.

“I must say I really enjoyed myself in that race.” Said Pedro de la Rosa, “It really was the best race to make my debut with HRT. I don’t think anyone could imagine we would finish after starting from the pit lane due to an issue with the fuel pressure that we were dragging over from yesterday. My team-mate also finished so that’s doubly satisfying. I’m very happy for the team, we accomplished our objective. Now we have to go a little bit further.”

HRT’s next target is to begin battling with Marussia for the final spots on the grid during qualifying, and continue to improve during the races.

Follow me on Twitter - @AndyYoungF1